The SB Post

Three-time Grammy Winner Bruce Hornsby Lights Up Santa Barbara on March 9th

Even if you're not a Bruce Hornsby fan, you've most likely heard his keyed melodies on the radio or as inspiration to do some home remodeling (his hit Gonna Be Some Changes Made was used in a series of Lowe's hardware store ads). The three-time Grammy winner offers a vast body of work across a variety of stylistic approaches to contemporary music. Hornsby fanatic or not, I highly encourage you to catch his upcoming solo performance at the historic Granada Theatre in downtown Santa Barbara this Friday, March 9th, for two reasons:

1) Bruce Hornsby rocks. Seriously. Although some would argue he appeals to an older crowd, I beg to differ. This thirtysomething has seen him perform live multiple times in a variety of venues and the result is always the same: a greatly-appreciated, highly energetic concert that feels much bigger than Hornsby's man-and-his-piano stage presence. Known for his uplifting piano riffs and timely lyrics, he's also a fantastic performer, engaging the crowd, making jokes and peppering his concerts with tidbits of information and insight into his long musical career.

2) The Granada Theatre. This grand theatre has been a landmark of Santa Barbara performing arts since it opened its doors in 1924. The recent multi-million dollar initiative to renovate and restore the Granada ensures maximum acoustic and viewing pleasure while preserving the building's historical appeal. Both the exterior and interior maintain the grandeur of the Roarin' ‘20s with wide staircases, ornate decoration, enormous chandeliers and elegant lounges. The stage has featured such acts as Fred and Ginger, Henry Fonda, Will Rogers and Martha Graham.

Whether you go for the show or the grand stage on which it takes place, Bruce Hornsby at the Granada is a live performance you won't want to miss. Tickets are available. Show starts at 8:00pm.

Stoked on Stand Up Paddle Surfing

Gotta love a spring heat wave! When it's 80 degrees outside, the beach is definitely the place to be. As fate would have it, I had a date with Blueline Stand Up Paddle Surf this Thursday morning as the sun was shining and temperatures were climbing. A group of travel journalists from France was in town and learning to SUP (stand up paddle surf) was on their agenda. I had never tried the sport myself and decided it was high time I take the plunge along with them.

What's SUP? The ancient form of surfing became popular in Hawaii in the 1960's as a way for surf instructors to navigate around their students with greater agility. SUP boards resemble longboards, but are custom made with attention to the stability and buoyancy needed to accommodate an upright stance. The paddling technique requires balance and gives a great core work out -- it's often referred to as yoga on the water. Adventurous and athletic SUP-ers ride waves surf-style, and others just cruise along glassy waters, beyond the swells, as we did.

Blueline team members Chris and Genelle were waiting for us at Leadbetter Beach with the boards and paddles ready to go. They gave us a quick lesson on the sand -- how to position our legs and feet on the board, how to stand up once we got out to sea, how to stand (keep knees locked!) and maintain balance and how to paddle.

One by one, they helped us get past the breaking waves and onto our boards with the water at thigh level. Kneeling, we were told to paddle out to a buoy where we waited for Chris and Genelle to walk us through the standing up step. I will admit I was totally terrified because I really, really, really didn't want to fall in. (I'm a big chicken when it comes to being in water that's not clear...I prefer to see what's lurking beneath! Plus, I had to go into the office after our adventure!) Chris was a great coach and told me not to over think it. After a slight panic I was standing up, wobbling away and started paddling. We cruised around, getting tips on our paddling techniques and how to turn around. I managed not to fall in, though I had a few close calls! Those who did fall in were laughing hysterically, and got to practice the standing up part more. When it was time to head back in, Chris and Genelle helped us time our approach with the waves so as to sail right in to shore.

I can see why everyone loves their SUP! And why it's become so popular with our visitors. In addition to lessons, Blueline has an awesome retail shop in the Funk Zone and you can follow their SUP adventures all over the world on their blog. SUP rentals are also available through the Paddle Sports of Santa Barbara shop at the Harbor, which is conveniently located right next to Leadbetter Beach.

More Cadiz, Please

Last night I checked out the most buzzed about new restaurant on Santa Barbara's dining scene -- Cadiz. Granted they are just in a "soft opening" phase right now and have only been open a week as of today, but I think it's safe to voice a prediction that they will be here to stay.

The Mediterranean restaurant and lounge concept is different enough to stand out and flexible enough to invite frequent repeat visits, be it for artisan cocktails and tapas or a full on multi-course dinner paired to local wines. They have a talented chef at the helm in John Pettitt, whose credentials include Seagrass, Hungry Cat and Wine Cask locally, in addition to top-rated restaurants in San Francisco and Los Angeles. I've happily devoured his creative cuisine on several occasions, and think my fellow Santa Barbara foodies will agree his talent in the kitchen is a big draw. As our delightful, informative server Natalie explained while familiarizing us with the menu, "Chef is all about balance." 

Thanks to Natalie's welcoming enthusiasm, the delicious food and the sense of adventure that comes with trying out a brand new restaurant, our debut dinner at Cadiz was a fresh, fun and friendly dining experience. We started by ordering a very reasonably priced bottle of Spanish wine, in the spirit of embracing their Spanish-Italian-Californian fusion vibe. Local Santa Barbara and Paso Robles area wines are on the list alongside European selections.

The dinner menu is categorized by Starters, Tapas, Flatbreads/Salads/Soups, Entrees, Artisanal Cheeses and Desserts. To start, I had the Riviera Salad, which was light, crisp and refreshing with slivers of red bell pepper, baby artichokes and olives atop a mix of lettuces. I also sampled a few spoonfuls of the Chilled Cucumber Soup with marcona almonds, golden raisins and picholine olives (my favorite!). The soup was magical -- so good, I will absolutely be ordering that for myself next time. Next up was the artfully plated Grana Padano Risotto with wild mushrooms and a sassy port wine reduction. While I went to vegetarian heaven, my dinner companions delved into the surf and turf, savoring Chicken & Leek Kabobs, Grilled Beef Sirloin Skewers and Grilled Baby Octopus. We all commented on the unusual and unexpected flavors of our respective main dishes. Of course, there's always room for dessert and we wanted to continue the flavor parade, so we ordered two to share: Almond Cake with Satsuma mandarins and orange caramel sauce (OMG!) and Bittersweet Chocolate Mousse with raspberry sauce and sea salt. The two desserts complemented each other beautifully and we left no evidence that they ever existed. In fact, with each dish we ordered, we pretty much cleared every plate. A testament to the quality and tastiness of the food, and a reflection of the moderate portion sizes. (And maybe our healthy appetites, too!)

Overall verdict? We'll be back!

Cadiz is located downtown in the nightlife hub at 509 State Street between Cota and Haley -- the coordinates really matter right now because they don't yet have a sign up! That didn't seem to be a deterrent, as we watched the restaurant fill up throughout our dinner with what looked to be a mix of people casually passing by and customers who were making a beeline specifically for Cadiz. The inviting space is open and airy, with patio, dining room, bar and lounge sitting areas. According to one of the owners, Chris Salazar, they will be taking advantage of their central location by operating as a late night lounge once the kitchen closes around 10pm Thursday-Saturday nights. Santa Barbara could certainly use more "grown-up" night life venues, so that's a smart move on their part. He also said they would soon open for lunch. I can envision their front patio packed with people on a warm afternoon -- the patio is only partially open, making it protected from the elements so heat lamps will keep it cozy on cooler nights.

Smaller plates and starters at Cadiz are priced in the $8-$15 range, while entrees run $18-$28. They don't have a website yet so call 805.770.2760 to book a reservation, or simply walk-in.

Unwind and Retreat

‘Tis the season of renewal! My friends at SOMA Get Fit invited me to experience their Spring Nurturing Retreat, and nurturing and rejuvenating it was. SOMA (Sustainable Outdoor Momentous Adventures) was created by health and fitness guru Scott Crawford, who offers customized fitness and wellness experiences incorporating Santa Barbara's natural assets. Those assets extend beyond the mountains and the sea to include a team of 15 specialized practitioners in areas such as yoga, massage and nutrition. SOMA designs vacation packages and retreats for individuals, couples and groups that can range from half-day to weeklong programs. After spending eight hours in their care, I can vouch for the fact that they are experts at spoiling their clients in addition to helping them realize goals, be it long term fitness, a break from a busy work life or pure pampering.

My retreat started at high noon. Scott picked me up and we headed to the Romero Canyon trailhead for a hike. We only passed a few people during the peaceful yet invigorating hike that took us high up into the front country mountains overlooking Montecito and the Pacific. We kept a quick pace, stopping at a few spots to take in the views and admire the wildflowers. In our conversations that spanned topics from how we got into our respective careers to who serves the best French fries in town, Scott honed in on my fitness challenges, helped me set some easy-to-achieve goals and provided great advice for meeting them. The 3-4 mile hike would be the extent of the "hard," sweaty stuff -- the rest of my retreat was all about nurturing.

Our next stop was the serene Vedanta Temple where we met June Chadwick. June teaches the Alexander Technique, something I'd never heard of until I received the itinerary for my retreat. While it's a methodology that can't be taught in a single session, June did a lovely job of introducing me to the core concepts and showing me how it works. Essentially, it's all about being aware of how you hold and move your body, whether sitting at a desk or going through the everyday motions of sitting down and walking. June said the Alexander Technique is popular with actors and athletes -- she initially got into it as a teenager in music school and credits it for helping her overcome scoliosis. Through awareness and micro-movements, the body can be retrained to move in a more aligned and balanced way. After June adjusted me, I felt like I had grown an inch! Following the therapy, we relaxed in a sitting area where Scott had set up a refreshing fruit and juice break.

Hydrated, taller and slightly sunburned (note to self: must wear sunscreen on a hike!), I was ready for some yoga. The final phase of my retreat took place at the Tennis Club of Santa Barbara on Foothill Road. Scott frequently collaborates with the family-owned health club, and I was warmly welcomed by one of the owners, Amber Bottlesen, who showed me to the women's lounge and changing area. Scott left me in the gentle and capable hands of Deborah Donohue for a restorative yoga and healing touch session in a private studio space. Deborah led me through a slow series of hip and hamstring opening poses, and her hands-on adjustments helped me go deeper into each pose.

Operation bliss was already a success, and I still had more nurturing to come! While the studio was prepped for the massage, Deborah and I snacked on salads poolside, enjoying the tranquil canyon setting and late afternoon light. I peppered her with questions about her background and learned that in addition to teaching yoga, she's an established writer and journalist, works as a healer and has an extensive background in hospice care. We could have gone on chatting for ages but my massage was calling.

SOMA has a special relationship with Chivas Skincare, an emerging SoCal brand. Goat milk is the base of the organic line, which is also made with herbs grown on their Fillmore farm and fair trade essential oils and shea butters. All of SOMA's bodywork and facial treatments incorporate Chivas products that were customized just for them. Scott started with the Chivas exfoliating scrub and then kneaded me into a state of Zen during the combined Swedish/deep tissue massage. Enter esthetician Carissa Cassone, who worked her magic on my face and neck. The relaxing Detox Facial was calming and hydrating, and while the various products settled in, she massaged my hands, feet, neck and head. By the time she was done with me, I was ready for bed!

And that was the end of my SOMA Spring Nurturing Retreat. After a very solid sleep, today I'm feeling quite renewed, completely spoiled and kind of glow-y. I think the glow might be of the inside-out variety from all of the positive, nurturing energy Scott and the SOMA team poured into me yesterday!

Contact SOMA via www.somagetfit.com or 805.403.1855 to book a customized Spring Nurturing Retreat or Spring Cleanse Detox. Prices start at $399 for individuals, or $299 per person for groups.

Shop Shop Shop

Shopping is one of my favorite pastimes. It might seem shallow, but I really don't think I'll ever tire of it. I love the thrill of the hunt and the satisfaction of scoring an amazing find on sale. Shopping is one of the top activities travelers from all over the world engage in while on vacation so I know I'm not alone when it comes to this particular passion. See, shopping has some depth -- it's a shared human experience, plus it supports the local economy wherever you're spending!

All silliness and rationalization aside, I bring up shopping because this weekend is Shop Spree SB. The two-day shopping festival in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara will take place Friday, March 11-Saturday, March 12, 11am-9pm each day. Click here to read the line-up of 50+ participating businesses, including all varieties of clothing boutiques, home interior stores, art galleries, surf & skate shops, day spas and more. In addition to in-store deals and perks, entertainment and special events will enhance the overall retail experience giving those crazy non-shoppers out there plenty of diversions. One super special event of note will take place Saturday afternoon at Paseo Nuevo. We can't disclose what this will be (top secret!) but it's worth hovering around that area to find out!

Now, back to shopping. I've done my fair share of traveling and I think that Santa Barbara has a pretty stellar selection of shops for a wee town of 90,000. Women's clothing is my area of expertise/addiction when it comes to shopping, so I'd like to take this opportunity to share some of my favorite retail haunts with my fellow shoppers out there. DIANI is hands-down my top go-to boutique. Aside from the divine selection of clothes they carry (think lines like Elizabeth & James, Isabel Marant, Vanessa Bruno, Inhabit, Goldsign), the shop itself is a delight to browse through with its beach-y, tranquil atmosphere and quality mix of music on shuffle. And the staff couldn't be nicer or more helpful -- they'll tell you if something is ill-fitting or just doesn't suit you. It's on the higher end but the selection is diverse enough to make it accessible for a range of budgets and their sale racks are bountiful. I've scored a few fabulous Hanii Y pieces at 80% off their original price. Talk about thrilling!

Some other independent boutiques that carry interesting lines and have a uniquely Santa Barbara flavor include the Wendy Foster stores. Wendy Foster is a Santa Barbara icon (her husband is Pierre Lafond, who started Santa Barbara Winery) and she has built a mini-empire of women's clothing boutiques. They each have their own feel -- the downtown Wendy Foster is my favorite for the lines they carry (Frye, J. Brand, Joie) and the vibe of the store. The Wendy Foster in Montecito's upper village is much more upscale, Pierre Lafond Sportswear is casual as the name implies and Upstairs (literally up the stairs from those two) is one of my favorite places to shop for gifts with its delightful mix of notecards and paper goods, table wares and home accents. Located on Coast Village Road, Angel is the fifth store in the line-up and is similar to the State Street boutique.

Susan Pitcher is another dynamic fashion maven in town with her two Montecito boutiques, dressed and ready. I'd venture to say she's curated the most daring, fashion-forward line-up. dressed is the more "dressy," high fashion of the two (Balenciaga, Stella McCartney, The Row), while ready is more accessible (3.1 Philip Lim, Twenty8Twelve, Haunt Hippie).  They are neighboring shops so you must visit both if you're in the 'hood!

Back in downtown Santa Barbara, a few other indies deserve a look: K. Frank, The Supply Room at Presidio Motel and Bryan Lee.

I know chain stores can be found everywhere but it's all about the sales and the filter of local buyers. I'm a devoted Anthropologie gal, and I also frequent Nordstrom. I was very excited to learn that the Savvy department (2^nd floor) at our Nordstrom recently incorporated via C offerings, adding brands like T by Alexander Wang, Milly and Rag & Bone to the mix. A much needed improvement to what was often a rather bland, hit-or-miss selection! Of course, Nordstrom's shoe department can do no wrong. Saks Fifth Avenue is another department store worth perusing. In my opinion, it's an under-shopped store which translates to excellent sale selections. I've walked out of there with Tory Burch, tibi and Milly dresses for under $50! Be warned, they close early (6pm every night but Friday, when they close at 7pm).

Consignment and vintage are not for everyone but they certainly are for me! I found a dreamy vintage 1970's cream mink and leather coat at Renaissance Fine Consignments, and The Rack at the Music Academy of the West has even more fabulous vintage furs and gently worn designer clothes. The Closet is the best consignment shop in SB (brand new Rich & Skinny jeans with the Nordstrom tags still on for $30!). Lola Boutique is a new consignment shop I haven't been to yet but is on my to-shop list!

Happy hunting, my fellow shopaholics and clotheshorses!

Extraordinary Experiences

This week PhoCusWright released a study that demonstrates how experiences drive travelers to destinations -- more so than, say, a specific hotel or a great deal. Yes, all of that comes into play at some point in the decision making and planning process. Yet, it's what you can do in a vacation destination that truly woos travelers. According to Viator.com, today's travelers are "looking for extraordinary experience-driven activities." People, we've got you covered.

I might be biased because I am paid to be a Santa Barbara evangelist, but I think our fans and locals would agree that there's no shortage of extraordinary experiences here. And it's our job to make sure you know they are here for the doing! Here's a sampling of special experiences in Santa Barbara, categorized by special interest:

ADRENALINE JUNKIES:  Enjoy some air time with Skydive Santa Barbara, or soar like a bird with Eagle Paragliding.

ANIMAL LOVERS:  Become an honorary zookeeper for a day through the Santa Barbara Zoo's behind-the-scenes Keeper for a Day program (ages 18+).

ECO-ADVOCATES:  Santa Barbara is considered the birthplace of Earth Day (that's right, the home of Earth Day), and the Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival has been celebrating and promoting sustainable living for 40 years. This year's fest will be held April 16-17 at Alameda Park and attract environmental advocates, light green consumers and eco-innovators from Southern California and beyond. While the overarching aim of Earth Day might be serious, this fest is serious about delivering good green fun.

FOODIES:  Meet Santa Barbara's top farmers and fishermen and make delicious dishes with their bounty on a Market Forays culinary tour and cooking class, led by Slow Food leader Laurence Hauben. The experience has been described as "life-changing." Fanatical foodies should make a beeline for Santa Barbara during epicure.sb, a month long culinary extravaganza held every October. The "month to savor Santa Barbara" includes several food festivals, wine and beer fests, cooking classes, seminars and many opportunities to get your grub on.

GREEN THUMBS:  Tour the spectacular, astounding and one-of-a-kind Lotusland garden and estate in Montecito. Gardenistas will also marvel at Rose Story Farms in Carpinteria, which offers tours during the April-November growing season.

MOVIE BUFFS:  Visit Santa Barbara during the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, held over 11 days starting in late January and running through early February. The 200+ film screenings, celebrity tribute events and panel discussions give film fiends plentiful opportunities to soak up the cinematic world and hear from the most buzzed about acting and filmmaking talent.

MUSIC FANS:  The Santa Barbara Bowl is a music fan's dream venue to see a show. The legendary intimate outdoor venue is a favorite of musicians and fans alike, and is celebrating its 75^th anniversary this year. Only a few shows in the 2011 season have been announced so far -- Janet Jackson, Mumford & Sons and Robert Plant. The season runs April through November, so follow their Twitter or Facebook feed to keep an eye out for your favorite bands and singers.

NATURE ENTHUSIASTS:  Visit "America's Galapagos," the Channel Islands National Park & Marine Sanctuary. Truth Aquatics runs hiking, kayaking and SCUBA diving trips to the islands, and Santa Barbara Adventure Company leads a variety of island excursions including a new camping and kayaking adventure. If you're short on time or would prefer to do something less intensive, the Condor Express runs half-day whale watching excursions to the Channel Islands.

WINE GEEKS:  Wine tasting can be enjoyed in so many ways -- by bike, pedicab, horse, jeep, limo, stretch limo jeep, biodiesel-powered van, etc. But nothing beats the beauty of having nearly all of the region's wineries in one place for a grand tasting event. This mass sip happens twice a year in Santa Barbara -- at the Vintners' Festival (April 16) and Celebration of Harvest (October), both organized by the Santa Barbara County Vintners' Association.

Need more inspiration? Check out the Experience Santa Barbara section of our website for itineraries and in-depth resources designed for culinary travelers, sustainability seekers, art lovers and film fans.

Rainy Day Remedies

Happy happy joy joy, we're on the verge of a three-day holiday weekend! With storms in the Southern California forecast for the first half of the weekend, here are some suggested activities to brighten your rainy day(s) and fill your long weekend with plenty of cozy fun.

• Restore your balance and creativity at the new Alchemy Arts Center, an urban retreat center that opened just this week. You can also bend, expand and find your center via a class and/or workshop at Yoga Soup.
• Rally your mates for a pub crawl downtown with stops at Dargan's, The Press Room, Old King's Road and James Joyce.
• Make it a microbrew march and hit Telegraph, Santa Barbara Brewing Co. and Brew House.
• I'm always pushing the Urban Wine Trail and I'm not going to pass up this opportunity to point out that wine tasting is quite pleasant rain or shine!
• Take a scenic drive over the hill to attend the Margerum Wine Company open house in Los Olivos, where you can eat, drink and be merry (and meet the winemaker) 1-4pm Sunday, Feb. 20.
• Stock up on used books for lazy afternoon reading at The Book Den, Lost Horizon Book Store and Thrasher Books.
• Entertaining stir crazy kids? Let them explore the wonders of the great outdoors inside the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, Ty Warner Sea Center and Maritime Museum. Note: The Museum of Natural History offers free admission Sunday for Family Nature Day.
• Check out the Charles Garabedian retrospective and the new Tsukioka Kogyo Noh Drama exhibition at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art (admission is free Sundays!). Have lunch at the museum café while you're there.
• Get crafty at Art From Scrap and stop by the Gem Faire at Earl Warren Showgrounds. The show will go on at the weekly Sunday Arts & Crafts show on Cabrillo Boulevard regardless of inclement weather; plus, an extra Saturday showing was added for the holiday weekend.
• Revel in the sounds of music at Santa Barbara Symphony's Sunday matinee (3pm) performance at The Granada.
• Bowl to your heart's content at Zodo's in Goleta.
• Hop aboard Amtrak for a car-free Carpinteria day trip.

Visit our Facebook page to share your own suggestions and/or post photo evidence of what you did in Santa Barbara this President's Day weekend!

In the Mood for Love

In need of sweet somethings to do for Valentine's Day? Even if the commercial essence of this "holiday" makes you squeamish, there are some pretty sweet romance-centric deals out there. Whether you're in the mood for love or simply have a soft spot for savings, these 10 V-day offerings might possibly make you and/or your partner swoon. Or at least smile.

1. Canary Hotel is calling all lovebirds to experience their "Canary Canoodle" package including accommodations and dinner for two at Coast Restaurant ($299/night for a Deluxe King or $399/night for a Junior Suite). Coast's Chef Brian Parks is preparing a romantic and decadent three-course menu ($45/person) for all restaurant patrons Feb. 13 & 14. Reservations are recommended!
2. Heavenly Float Luxury Spa is running their special "Valentine's Package" throughout February. The couples massage experience includes strawberries and champagne service and the choice of a 50-minute massage ($210/couple) or 80-minute massage ($295/couple).
3. Sip + Smooch = Sweet at Municipal Winemakers, where kissing couples are rewarded with a free bar of twenty-four blackbirds chocolate all month long.
4. This Saturday, Feb. 12, Riverbench Winery presents a special "Chocolate & Bubbles Pairing" in honor of Valentine's Day 1pm-4pm. The $10 wine tasting fee includes chocolates by Chocolats du CaliBressan.
5. Santa Barbara Contemporary Arts Forum is hosting a swanky cocktail party Feb. 12 from 8pm to 11pm. Their 14th Annual Valentine's Benefit provides the perfect excuse to get dressed up to mix and mingle and enjoy food and drink pairings, music, art and all around aesthetic fabulousness.
6. Loads of restaurants will be offering special Valentine's prix fixe menus. I received an email today from Elements Restaurant and Bar presenting their $45 three-course menu ($65 with wine pairings). Please remember to MAKE RESERVATIONS if you plan to eat dinner out February 14! This is the busiest night of the year for many restaurants.
7. You can't go wrong with a visit to wine country -- especially if you let someone else do the driving. Cloud Climbers Jeep & Wine Tours presents a "Cupcake & Wine Lovers Special" tour priced at $214 per couple (15% discount), available Thursday-Sunday in February. The day of wine tasting includes door-to-door service, stunning scenery, wine tastings, a picnic lunch and mini-gourmet cupcakes paired to wines; use promo code "love-ccjt."
8. Another wine tour deal, Stagecoach Co. Wine Tours will present a long stem rose and box of gourmet chocolates to sweethearts who book their standard tasting tour. This V-day special ($250/couple) is available Feb. 11- 14. DeeTours is offering a similar wine tour special Feb.12-14.
9. If duty doesn't call Feb.14-15, the Santa Ynez Valley Wine Around is an awesome value at $125 per person. The experience features two days of exclusive wine and barrel tastings paired with gourmet hors d'oeuvres at Bridlewood Estate Winery, Fess Parker Vineyard & Winery and Foley Estates Vineyard & Winery; conversations with the vintners, entertainment and delicious dining at the Chumash Casino Resort; gift amenities; plus deluxe transportation between all the activities.
10. Adventurous activities, healthy nutrition and restorative treatments are at the heart of SOMA Get Fit's February "Valentine Retreat" designed for two. Biking through wine country, stand up paddle surfing, hiking to a gorgeous vista for a sunset dinner, sailing to the Channel Islands, couple's massage and organic, candle-lit meals are just some of the options couples have to choose from.

Film Fest: Day 11

There was no loss of momentum on the last day of the 26^th annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival. It was a gloriously warm Sunday and film-goers were out in droves. I went to a couple of morning screenings and was impressed by how full the theatres were. After my a.m. double header, I declared my SBIFF a wrap.

Sunday, February 6, 2011.

SCREENED:  I roused myself bright and early to catch the 8:10 a.m. screening of Good For Nothing at Metro 4. The spaghetti western had been receiving raves all week from our local media and influential film industry critics from Variety and Hollywood Reporter. SBIFF Executive Director Roger Durling introduced the film, one he was clearly personally passionate about, declaring it "a delicious film." The director and lead actors -- all from New Zealand -- also attended the screening. I didn't know what to expect and wouldn't call myself the ultimate western fan, but I have been known to enjoy movies like Tombstone and liked the idea of seeing something out of my typical range. The film was made on a very small budget but you wouldn't know it from the quality of the cinematography, the performances and the score. It was intentionally melodramatic in the spirit of the genre with well-timed comedic moments. In the q&a that followed, the director/writer Mike Wallis said that he had always been an avid western fan and the film was intended to take a jab at masculinity. Bottom line: it was totally worth getting up early for and the New Zealand scenery (Central Otago, to be precise) was gorgeous.

I only had to walk to the adjacent theatre in Metro 4 to see the next film -- it would be my self-declared "grand finale" since I wasn't planning to attend the closing night screening of Carmen in 3D. Face to Face was another film that generated a lot of buzz all week, and the full-house theatre at 10:20 a.m. showed that word had definitely gotten around. The Australian film director Michael Rymer introduced the film and we later found out he left the theatre during the movie to attend the SBIFF Filmmaking Awards, where they earned the Fest's top honor. The film, adapted from a play by David Williamson, is mostly dialogue driven as it follows the cast of characters through a conflict resolution session that took place in one room à la 12 Angry Men. There were occasional flashbacks, but the pivotal scenes took place in that room. Everything about this film was excellent and engaging, and as much as I liked each of the films I saw over the past 11 days, this one rocked my world the most. Outstanding, and now award-winning after its U.S. debut at SBIFF. A large contingent from the film joined the director for an in-depth post-screening q&a. We the audience got to share in their contagious excitement fresh from winning the award.

SAVORED:  Nothing feasty to report on the food front today. A latte from Starbucks was all I had time for, but it sure did hit the spot since I was running on fumes!

SPOTTED:  Roger Durling, Mr. SBIFF, was up bright and early with the film fiends. SBIFF PR maven Carol Marshall was also spotted at the intro to Good For Nothing before heading over to the Fess Parker's Doubletree Resort for the awards. The stars of Good For Nothing sat through the screening with us, and two actors from Face to Face also made the trip to Santa Barbara to show the film along with their film "family."

So, my friends, that's officially a wrap on our 2011 SBIFF series! I loved every minute of the festing and feasting and can't wait to do it again next year. In the meantime, I've got a list of films to tackle between now and the Oscars at the end of the month. Sweet cinema dreams!

Film Fest: Day 10

Folks, we're winding down. There's only one more day left of the 26^th annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival. I was determined to make the most of this SBIFF-y Saturday and plotted a well-rounded day filled with a sampling of the fest's best.

Saturday, February 5, 2011.

SCREENED:  I started the morning at the Directors Panel held at the Lobero, a hot ticket event with open seats few and far between. Half of the Oscar Best Picture nominees were represented, a hyper-intelligent group including Darren Aronofsky (Black Swan), Charles Ferguson (Inside Job), Debra Granik (Winter's Bone), Tom Hooper (The King's Speech), David O. Russell (The Fighter) and Lee Unkrich (Toy Story 3). I've only seen 3 of these 6 movies and after hearing from the minds behind the magic, I'm motivated to see the rest before the Oscars. Apart from the insights shared about their respective projects and methods, the directors seemed to genuinely appreciate the experience of the camaraderie shared with their peers on the panel given they have all been on this award season ride together. Ferguson, who as a documentary filmmaker is not a part of the regular Hollywood scene, said he's been enjoying exploring "the anthropology of Hollywood." He joked, "It's not MIT."

I returned to the Lobero to see Finding Kind, a documentary that was highly recommended by one the festival's publicists. I'm glad I heeded her advice. It was an incredibly powerful film about the "mean girl" phenomenon. The director Lauren Parsekian and her BFF and Kindness Campaign co-founder Molly Stroud were on hand to introduce the film and participate in a q&a post screening. The documentary followed them on a road trip throughout the U.S. meeting and interviewing girls and women about bullying and exploring women's viciousness towards one another. According to their stats, 100% of young women in America are exposed to this behavior in school, whether they are victim, bystander or the one dishing it out. The film was emotional, heart-wrenching and tear-inducing, but it was ultimately uplifting to see change in action as a result of their Kindness Campaign workshops.

The major event of the evening was Nicole Kidman's Cinema Vanguard award tribute at The Arlington. She was as graceful and beautiful as expected, and her impeccable manners yielded an on-time start. (These things never start on time!) SBIFF Executive Director Roger Durling led the q&a with the actress, who graciously and articulately walked us through the ins and outs of her daring roles and career path. It's always a pleasure to listen to thoughtful, talented smart people. R-E-S-P-E-C-T, Nicole Kidman. Rabbit Hole is another addition to my pre-Oscar must-see list!

SAVORED:  It was an on-the-go kind of a day. Between events at the Lobero, I popped into Sojourner for a quick lunch of my addiction, the Tofu Buddha salad. Dinner was another in-and-out experience, but more upscale. My friends smartly booked an early reservation at Opal, which is right next door to the Arlington so we had a front row view of the lines of people waiting to see Nicole Kidman. I ordered the Wild Mushroom & Goat Cheese Quesadilla with flash fried Portobello mushrooms from their Short Cut Film Feast menu and a "Perfect 10" martini. The Opal kitchen was so efficient, we had enough time to enjoy another cocktail at the Chopin Lounge before Nicole Kidman took the stage.

SPOTTED:  You could hear camera shutters clicking throughout the entire Nicole Kidman tribute, so I wasn't the only one captivated by the presence of Hollywood royalty (by way of Australia). She was so generous, she actually made an appearance at the super VIP after party at K. Frank, which I was lucky enough to attend (thanks Kiki and Ryan!). I enjoyed running into friends and acquaintances from all walks of Santa Barbara life at the party -- the art world, cycling community, environmentalists, journalists, etc. For an intimate party, SBIFF and K. Frank curated a great crowd. When the clock hit midnight, I called "cut" on my splendid cinematic day...so I could go home to write this post!